Erythromycin lactobionate-intravenous

This medication is mixed in the correct fluid and given slowly into a vein as directed by your doctor, usually every 6 hours. Erythromycin may be given continuously or slowly over 20 to 60 minutes as separate doses at evenly spaced intervals. Dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical condition and response to therapy. You should use this injectable medication only until you are able to take an antibiotic by mouth or until your treatment is finished.If you are giving this medication to yourself at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, use this drug at evenly spaced intervals.Continue to use this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow, resulting in a return of the infection.Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

Before using erythromycin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to any other macrolide/ketolide antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin, azithromycin); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, a certain type of muscle disease (myasthenia gravis).

Erythromycin may cause live bacterial vaccines (such as typhoid vaccine) to not work as well. Do not have any immunizations/vaccinations while using this medication unless your doctor tells you to.

Erythromycin may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, fainting) that need medical attention right away.

The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may cause QT prolongation. Before using erythromycin, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you take and if you have any of the following conditions: certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG), family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, sudden cardiac death).

Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may also increase your risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you use certain drugs (such as diuretics/"water pills") or if you have conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your doctor about using erythromycin safely.

Caution is advised when this drug is used in infants. Though very unlikely to occur, there have been rare reports of a stomach problem called IHPS (infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis) in infants receiving this medication. Contact your child's doctor right away if the child has persistent vomiting or increased irritability.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially hearing loss and QT prolongation (see above).

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.